The Ultimate Anti-Hangover Cocktail Recipe

The few hours that span the end of one year and the beginning of the next seem magical: Full of wistful nostalgia for the past and excited potential for what the future may bring. But then all of those feelings of promise come to a crashing halt as party-goers everywhere wake up on January 1st with a raging, champagne-induced hangover.

Hangovers aren’t just nasty—they’re downright expensive. The CDC reports that the side effects of heavy drinking cost the U.S. economy nearly $220 billion a year in lost productivity. That’s a lot of hours spent mindlessly trolling Facebook while dealing with the shakes and a pounding headache, and it’s certainly not the most optimal way to kick off a successful new year.

For this year’s countdown to midnight and celebratory morning-after brunch, swap the champagne for this superfood cocktail that will replenish all the micronutrients lost after a long night of drinking.

But before we get to the recipe, take a moment to read up on the ingredients—we think you’ll see where this drink’s superpowers come from.

Ginger kombucha

The fermented tea hit peak popularity this year, and its light carbonation paired with healthy bacteria can calm any rolling stomach, especially when paired with anti-nausea aid ginger. Grab a bottle from your local store, or brew your own at home.

Aloe Vera

Although aloe vera is more well known for soothing sunburns than treating the after-effects of one too many drinks, the gel-like juice has a similar calming effect on internal organs. Alcohol irritates stomach lining (hence the nausea that accompanies the morning after raucous evening), but aloe vera has been shown to soothe inflammation in the intestinal tract. Plus, aloe contains vitamins A and B12, two essential nutrients that are depleted by alcohol consumption.

Pomegranate Powder

Alcohol draws water from the body’s cells, and as a night of partying progresses, the body expels essential minerals and nutrients, especially potassium and vitamin B. A deficiency in potassium is the reason that your brain feels like it’s tearing away from your skull (a.k.a. that nightmare headache), so replenishing potassium levels before or after a night out makes a world of difference in post-drink recovery.

Lucuma Powder

This slightly sweet superfood powder is chock-full of niacin and fiber—two essential compounds the body needs to help flush excess alcohol out of your system. It’s also low-glycemic, which means adding it to a beverage won’t spike blood sugar levels.

Coconut water

Put down the Gatorade and pick up a coconut to replace lost electrolytes—not only is coconut water hydrating, it’s also low in sugar and calories.

Superfood Anti-Hangover Cocktail

Ingredients

4 ounces coconut water
4 ounces ginger kombucha
1 ounce aloe vera juice
3 teaspoons pomegranate powder
1/2 teaspoon lucuma powder
optional: quinoa vodka

Directions

Add coconut water, aloe vera, pomegranate powder, ice, and lucuma powder to a shaker. Shake vigorously to combine. Pour into a glass and top with ginger kombucha. If desired, add quinoa vodka.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont